Siblings’ S.C. Childhood Home Renovated for Retirement Receives Remodel of the Year Honors in National Design Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — A mid-1960s-era home in Clemson, S.C., renovated by two siblings to share in retirement, has been selected as the Remodel of the Year in the 2016 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The siblings sought to update and modernize the home while still retaining its original character. With an eye toward the owners’ needs as they age, the project team of architect and designer RMS Architecture and remodeler The Berry Group LLC designed and executed a complete renovation that opened up the floor plan in the existing space and included an addition of three new rooms.

Built about 50 years ago, the home had never been updated. In the remodel, all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were replaced and updated to current code requirements.

The updated family room incorporates some of the original knotty pine panels and throughout the house, many of the original knotty pine interior doors were kept. The dining room and kitchen were completely renovated to better connect to the rest of the open floor plan. A new large island creates a gathering space, and additional windows increase natural lighting.

A media room and separate master suites customized for each sibling were added to the existing structure. Exterior terraces with a fire pit at the rear of the home extends the ground-floor living space into the outdoors.

BALA judges commended the renovation’s single-level lifestyle area that will continue to be enjoyable and practical for the owners as they age. Judges applauded the use of the best of the home’s original features.

In its 33rd year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling, community and international. Award winners were announced at the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.

Additional information about the BALA program is at nahb.org/BALA, including the 2016 BALA Portfolio, featuring a review of design trends and project photographs.

NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) is a trade association that helps promote the policies that make housing a national priority. Since 1942, NAHB has been serving its members, the housing industry, and the public at large.

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